5 Tips to Get Five More Minutes

The most difficult thing I have to do in the morning is to leave the house. The kids are whining, I’m dragging and no one is happy. So I started asking around to some of my Mom friends, and got some advice on how to get out of the door just a little bit faster. This will be especially helpful around here, where the snow soon will be flying. How can I expect to be heading to school when I can’t even get my kindergartner out the door on time?

Time Management Tips

Use the night to your advantage

When everything is quiet, get your gear — and, as a result,Â your life — in order. Set out clothes the night before, pack lunches, snacks and backpacks night before. This includes your own purse or backpack. Add some goodies to keep you going along with a bottle of water.

Get dressed before you eat or watch TV

I’m always tempted to let the kids wander about in the PJs while I get their cereal and drinks. No more! Now, thanks to this tip, we successfully shaved a few minutes off of the routine this week. They get changed while I get busy with bowls, spoons and Frosted Wheat.

Don’t pick up dishes from breakfast, make beds or tidy up until you get back

It’s tempting to do it all so that you have a clean house upon your return. But it will eat up precious minutes that you need to get everyone out the door. So let your mess remain. No one will see it, and no one will judge you for it.

Change the time on the bedroom clocks and the clock in the kitchen

This is a classic. I fully stand by this trick. I swear, I’m dopey in the morning and forget that I’ve set my personal alarm clock about 10 minutes ahead of time. So even if I hit snooze, I’m still good to go. The only problem? There isn’t a single clock in my house that tells the right time. But that is a small price to pay.

Get some helping hands

I know, easier said than done. But, in my house, those helping hands turned out to be my own kids. I tend to baby them, and they know that I’ll put their socks and shoes on for them if we’re in a rush. Well, when we are running ahead, I tend to be tougher. (Really, I never thought I’d be such a wimpy mom!) It’s better for them, and it’s better for me. I’m not resentful, I’m happier in the car and everyone has a better morning.

Gimme some more ideas! What have I missed? Tell us in the comments below!